Duta Palma Group faces corruption and money laundering trial

Seven corporate entities within the Duta Palma Group are scheduled for a sentencing hearing at the Jakarta Pusat District Court regarding alleged corruption and money laundering. The case involves palm oil plantation operations in the Indragiri Hulu Regency, Riau, spanning from 2004 to 2022.

The companies involved include PT Palma Satu, PT Seberida Subur, PT Banyu Bening Utama, PT Panca Agro Lestari, PT Kencana Amal Tani, PT Darmex Plantations, and PT Asset Pacific. Prosecutors allege that the group caused state financial losses of Rp4.79 trillion and 7.88 million USD due to unpaid reforestation funds, forest resource provision fees, and forest area usage rents. While the companies held plantation business licenses, they allegedly lacked the necessary permits for forest area release.

Furthermore, the illegal activities are accused of causing broader economic losses to the state totaling Rp73.92 trillion. Regarding money laundering, prosecutors claim corruption proceeds were funneled to PT Darmex Plantations, the holding company owned by Surya Darmadi. These funds were reportedly used for dividends, shareholder debt payments, capital injections, and transfers to various affiliated companies to acquire and control various assets.